Unlocking potential with the best learning and research solutions

Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient China
The 'Zhou Bi Suan Jing'

Part of Needham Research Institute Studies

Author: Christopher Cullen, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Date Published: January 2007
availability: Available
format: Paperback
isbn: 9780521035378

Rate & review

Paperback

Add to wishlist

Other available formats:
eBook

Looking for an inspection copy?

This title is not currently available for inspection. However, if you are interested in the title for your course we can consider offering an inspection copy. To register your interest please contact asiamktg@cambridge.org providing details of the course you are teaching.

Description

Contents

Resources

Courses

About the Authors

This translation of an ancient Chinese book on astronomy (which is believed to date back to the first century AD) provides the non-specialist with a lucid account of how Chinese astronomers did their work in ancient times. The book also shows how the Chinese imperial government made use of and supported the work of astronomers, and explores the links between astronomy and politics. It will be of equal interest to historians of science and those studying the history of Chinese culture.
- First study of ancient Chinese mathematical astronomy accessible to the non-specialist
- Fully annotated and lucid translation of an important Chinese astronomical text
- Shows the close interplay between politics and scientific activity in ancient China
Read more
Reviews & endorsements
'… Cullen provides a lucid and highly readable survey of the development of Chinese cosmography … All this and more is set forth in a jargon-free style accessible to the general reader while at the same time satisfying the demands of the specialist for comprehensive and informative references and Chinese characters.' The Journal of Asian Studies
'The pathway for the reader is more than just academically interesting … he will find himself led through fascinating territory.' Irish Astronomical Journal
'Christopher Cullen's book will help immensely in enlarging our view of cultural production during the Han … [it] is a challenging and thoughtful inquiry for any reader of ancient Chinese texts.' Andrea Eberhard, Centaurus
'… the first easily accessible introduction to the developing mathematical and observational practices of ancient Chinese astronomers … of equal interest to historians of science and those studying the history of Chinese culture.' Europe & Astronomy
See more reviews
Customer reviews

Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review

Log in to review

Review was not posted due to profanity
×

, create a review

(If you're not , sign out)

Please enter the right captcha value

Please enter a star rating.

Your review must be a minimum of 12 words.

How do you rate this item?

Reviews must contain at least 12 words about the product.

×

Product details
- Date Published: January 2007
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521035378
- length: 256 pages
- dimensions: 246 x 187 x 13 mm
- weight: 0.469kg
- contains: 28 b/w illus.
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Preface
1. The background of the Zhou bi
2. The Zhou bi and its contents
3. The origins of the work
4. The later history of the Zhou bi
Zhou bi suan jing: translation
Appendices
References and bibliography
Index.
Look Inside
Author
Christopher Cullen, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London